Purim Masquerade. Shabbat Across America and Shabbat Dinner March 1. February 3, 2019

Transcription

1 March Purim Masquerade Shabbat Across America and Shabbat Dinner March 1 AIPAC Conference March February 3, RFD, Hilltop Rd. & Route 83, Long Grove, IL Phone:

2 FROM THE RABBI JOIN ME IN WASHINGTON Dear Congregation Beth Judea Members, As we continue to grow and nurture our personal and communal Jewish identities, I hope that the State of Israel is one of our shared cornerstones. Israel is a beacon of light shining brightly amidst hostile neighbors and a light of hope as the only democracy in the Middle East. And as Americans, we must recognize that the partnership between America and Israel is vital to the continued success and future of both free nations. It is our responsibility to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship stays strong, that the citizens of our country and our leaders in Congress stay informed, and that America and Israel continue to support each other in both good times and challenging times. To do that, America and Israel need you! Your voice must be heard, your opinions matter and your activism will make a difference. And, in my opinion, the best place to do that is at the AIPAC Policy Conference. Please join me and so many others from Congregation Beth Judea at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C., March 24-26, and participate in three of the most important days impacting the U.S.- Israel relationship. AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is a bipartisan organization whose sole mission is to support legislation in the U.S. Congress to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. AIPAC does not rate or endorse any political candidates, but rather works to educate both Democrats and Republicans alike so that they can make informed decisions in all matters pertaining to Israel, her safety and security needs, and the U.S.-Israel relationship. AIPAC also ensures RABBI MORRIS ZIMBALIST that members of Congress and other community leaders travel to Israel to experience firsthand Israel s technology and innovation, see her innate beauty, and recognize the fragility of her borders. Congregation Beth Judea will be one of nearly 300 synagogue delegations from across the country at the AIPAC Policy Conference. We will be joined by over 16,000 pro-israel political activists, two-thirds of the U.S. Congress, and leaders from all over the world. Future leaders will also be there as more than 3,600 students from 630+ campuses attend. At the AIPAC Policy Conference, you will have the opportunity to choose from among hundreds of educational breakout sessions running the gamut of topics from the existential threats facing Israel, to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, to the robust American financial support of Israel, to how Israel has become a leader in technology and innovation, and more. This is a conference not to be missed! To register and learn more, simply go to In addition, please contact me directly if you need assistance to offset your travel and/or hotel costs. You can also register by contacting our local AIPAC office at Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. And remember Israel needs you. The U.S.-Israel relationship needs you. And I need you to join me in Washington! Shalom u vracha, Rabbi Morris Zimbalist P.S. Please be sure to see the attached flyer for our annual AIPAC/CBJ/Temple Chai event on February 11th Hope to see you there, too! Download Flyer 2

3 FROM THE RABBI MY FRIEND RABBI JONATHAN PORATH TAKING JUNE 2019 JOURNEY TO JEWISH RUSSIA [and UKRAINE] My friend of nearly six decades [we met at a USY convention in the spring of 1959], Rabbi Jonathan Porath will be taking the Keshet Tour 2019 Russian Jewish Journey to Moscow and St. Petersburg [June 17-25, 2019] with an optional extension to Jewish Ukraine [June 25-30] as the Scholar/Senior Educator. Jonathan has been to Russia and the Former Soviet Union 175 times since He was a member of the Senior Staff of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee [the JDC or Joint]--Russian Department for 15 years and is author of Jews in Russia: The Last Four Centuries. He brings a breadth and depth to the trip which are unparalleled. In the early 1970's, he led the USY Eastern European/Russian Pilgrimages, and I had the privilege of joining him as a staff member on one of them. It was the experience of a lifetime which I commend to you as well. In addition to touring such world-famous landmarks as the Kremlin, Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, the Hermitage, and the Tsarist royal palaces, the Russian Jewish Journey explores Russian Jewish history and the richness of contemporary Jewish life, including visits to JCC's, synagogues, Jewish museums and Holocaust memorials, Russian State exhibitions, plus meetings with academics, rabbis, students and Jewish leaders past and present. All of us who took part in the struggle for Soviet Jewry will want to stand on former- Archipova Street in Moscow, in front of the Choral Synagogue, in the very place where Golda Meir stood in 1948 and Elie Wiesel in the 1960's [and where, inspired by them, Jonathan celebrated Simchat Torah with Soviet Jews in 1968]. The tour is Kosher and Shomer Shabbat and designed for anyone interested in experiencing Russian Jewish life today from the inside. The 8-day Russian visit will be followed by an optional 5-day extension, A Field Excursion to Jewish Ukraine: A Visit to the Jewish Heartland, including Lviv [Lvov/Lemberg], Berdichev, Zhitomir, Kiev and other sites. For full details, including itineraries and costs, see: 3

4 On President s Day weekend two years ago, Rabbi David Ingber stood up at the JCC in St. Louis at the Songleader Boot Camp National Convention and taught that all you need is Vav. He taught that Vav is the ultimate connector. It connects ideas. It connects things. It connects people. We can even find proof of these connections in the letters themselves. For instance, the letter Alef is made up of 3 Vavs. One coming up from the earth, one coming down from the heavens, and one linking them together us. The connections made at conferences such as SLBC have the potential to transcend the normal limitations of our social and professional circles. We may meet people we would never have dreamed to meet. We may befriend those whom we could never imagine befriending. This is the power of Vav and the power of music. Music is the only art form and only subject in school which simultaneously activates both hemispheres of the brain connecting us within ourselves in new ways. Connecting the logical with the creative. Music also connects us with past and future generations. At SLBC, we sing the core repertoire of music from our education and our culture as well as the music that is newly written and being recorded. All these connections come together at this one convention. Scholars, artists, teachers, students, kids, teens, adults all come to learn and sing together. NOTES FROM HAZZAN HAZZAN GIL EZRING This year, three teens from CBJ will be joining 47 other teens from around the country to be a part of the 2nd Teen Chavurah at Songleader Boot Camp. They will be learning leadership skills and connection through music. They will have the opportunity to learn and speak with some of the top minds in education, Judaica, and music. Here at CBJ, I have also started the Teen Yad Squad. This a program to continue the education that students learn in Jr. Yad Squad and in training to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. These teens are learning the skills to become more involved in the ritual practices here at CBJ. We are studying trope for our holy text for the whole year: High Holiday Torah, Megillat Esther, Megillat Ruth, Shir HaShirim, Ecclesiastes, and Eicha. If your teen is interested in leyning throughout the year, contact me at hazzanezring@bethjudea.org to join this new group. Hazzan Gil Ezring Congregation Beth Judea Mission Statement Congregation Beth Judea is a welcoming egalitarian synagogue whose mission is to create a warm and inviting home that serves the lifelong spiritual, educational and fellowship needs of our members. Consistent with the principals of the Conservative movement, we embrace Torah and our responsibility to serve and support the greater Jewish community, the community at large, the United States of American and the State of Israel. 4

5 In This Issue Rabbi s Reflections Notes from Hazzan CBJ Mission Statement Calendar Special Dates & Events President s Message Special Congregational Meeting Special Events Ways & Means New Advertising Opportunity Religious Education Youth Young Family & Focus on Families Adult Education Sisterhood Sisterhood Book Club Page Sisterhood Gift Shop Men s Club 2019 Man/Youth of the Year Community News Israel Committee Movie Night Interfaith Council BJE Early Childhood SHALVA Membership Alternative Minyan The Goodman s Blog The Helping Hand Plan Hesed NEW: Business Directory Birthdays & Anniversaries Yahrzeits Tributes Page The Word - February

6 CALENDAR Special Shabbats Sisterhood Feb. 8 Feb. 8 Feb. 22 Feb. 3 Feb. 4 Feb. 11 March 3 Young Family Shabbat Shabbat Service & Ta am Send Off Musical Shabbat Service Programming World Wide Wrap Special Congregational Meeting AIPAC Program with Temple Chai Israel Committee Movie Night Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 20 Feb 2 Feb. 3 Feb. 13 Feb. 24 Sisterhood Presents Golda Meir Sisterhood Book Club Torah Fund Event: Tea w/hazzan Sisterhood Art Program Men s Club Men s Club at Lieberman World Wide Wrap Tap the Torah Pins for PADS Religious School Our regular weekday and Shabbat classes continue to meet see our Adult Education page for details February February Adult Education Hebrew Boot Camp Ulpan 2 Talmud Study Sweet Taste of Torah Hebrew Literacy I Lunch & Learn Practical Halacha Tap the Torah Rockin Our Tradition Jewish Film Festival Click Here for Full List of Classes for February 2019 Be Sure To Check Out Our New Business Directory Section Please contact Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org or if you need any special accommodations, including transportation, to participate in our program. Feb. 2 & 16 Junior Congregation Youth IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUTH View our calendar online at Meetings Please check website PHOTOS IN THIS EDITION MEN S CLUB RETREAT JCFS THANK YOU LETTER & PHOTOS FOR 7+1 PROGRAM BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Shabbat Prayers February 1, :30 p.m. Those who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries during the month of January will be recognized at our service on February 1 st. Our worship will begin at 7:30 p.m. Children of every age are welcome! The Word - February

7 Important Dates and Notices IMPORTANT DATES IN JEWISH HISTORY MARCH 21, 2019 PURIM IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE: March 1 Shabbat Across America Dinner February 2 February 2 February 3 February 4 February 6 February 7 February 8 February 8 February 8 February 9 February 10 February 10 February 11 February 13 February 15 February 20 February 22 February 24 February 25 March 1 March 1 March 3 March 3 March 5 March 7 March 8 March 9 March 9 March 10 March 15 March 17 March 17 March 20 March 22 March 24 March 24 Men s Club Lieberman USY Prom World Wide Wrap Special Congregational Meeting Sisterhood Presents Golda Meir Sisterhood Book Club Young Family Shabbat Shabbat Service & Ta am Send Off USY Pray & Play Young Family Havdalah Program Sisterhood Program Kadima & Kadinkers Program AIPAC Program with Temple Chai Tap the Torah CBJ Kallah Sisterhood Art Program Musical Shabbat Service Dogs to Brentwood Nursing Home MC Pins for PADS Shabbat Across America Dinner Disability Awareness Shabbat & Selah Choir School/Youth Open House Israel Committee Movie Night AJEC Program Debunked: Purim Young Family Shabbat Men s Club Lieberman Purim Masquerade JUF Event at Temple Chai Shabbat Service & Ta am Send Off Young Family Purim Purim Carnival Megillah Reading Shabbat Service Musical Men s Club Candle Packing Pesach Wine Tasting March 1 Disability Awareness Shabbat & Selah Choir Watch your s and our website for further information 7

8 Ta am Yisrael Send Off 8 Ta'am Yisrael Send Off! Please join us for a special Shabbat Service as we wish NESIAH TOVA (safe travels) to our Ta am Yisrael Students: To Our Beth Judea Ta am Yisrael Attendees May God watch over you and protect you as you embark on this journey home to Israel. May you be protected from all dangers and have a safe, peaceful and rewarding experience. Haley Berg, Sophia Kowitt and Dylan Tehrani traveling to Israel as part of the Ta'am Yisrael program Have a safe trip. during Erev Shabbat Services on AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE March 24-26, 2019 February 8, :30 pm The students will receive a special blessing and the Oneg Shabbat that evening will be in their honor. We hope you and your family members can attend. Please RSVP to lneiman@bethjudea.org so that we will know how many people to expect. Join fellow members of Beth Judea in our nation s capitol for three of the most important days affecting Israel s future. For more information about Beth Judea s delegation, or to register for the AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE contact a member of our Israel Committee or AIPAC s Chicago Office at

9 PURIM SPECIAL EVENTS REGISTER / SPONSORS / AD BOOK

10 AIPAC SPECIAL EVENT Click Here for Full Details 10

11 President s Message Join the Beth Judea Board of Directors!! IMPORTANT NOTICE SIDNEY MATHIAS CBJ PRESIDENT Dear Congregants, Have you ever considered being on Congregation Beth Judea's Board of Directors? It is that time of year when our Nominating Committee convenes to fill the seats of retiring Board Members, and we're looking for you! Why did I become a Board Member? After I retired, I started looking at volunteer opportunities. I realized that my family and I received so much from being a member of Congregation Beth Judea, that it was time to give back. My favorite part of serving on the Board has been working on committees. In these smaller groups, I have made friends, I have gained transferable skills, I have learned more about Judaism and I have had my voice heard and valued. Why should you become a board member? It is my hope that Congregation Beth Judea means something special to you- a house of worship, a house of learning, and a home where you can share your joys and sorrows. As a board member, you would be giving back to this community that has so much to offer you. Involvement can also be a gift to yourself. It can provide an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. As Hillel said, If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when? Our constitution allows all members in good standing to be eligible for service on the Board of Directors. The Board has the authority for guiding many aspects of our congregational life; some of those include oversight of our professional staff, budgeting, finance matters, and establishment of policies related to Synagogue operations - all while serving as goodwill ambassadors to our greater community. Board members are also required to serve as an active member of a standing committee, usher at services, and be an active participant in our synagogue's programs. Please, if you are interested, we ask that you simply answer the following questions to begin the process and assist the committee: 1. How long have you been a member of CBJ? 2. On which committees have you previously or currently served, at Beth Judea or another synagogue? 3. Why do you have a desire to be of service as a member of the Board of Directors? 4. What areas of the synagogue are you most interested in? How would you envision participating in pursuing that interest? Your response should be sent via to Arnie Goldberg at arnieccc@aol.com by Friday, February 15, Sincerely, Sid Mathias, President TIME SENSITIVE RESPONSE REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15,

12 Fellow Congregants, SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING I wanted to remind you of the upcoming Special Congregational Meeting to consider amending the Beth Judea's Constitution. The Meeting is February 4, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. Since the announcement of the Special Meeting, I and others on the Constitution Review Committee have received questions concerning the intent behind and effect of the changes being proposed. As we respond to these questions, we realize that others may have many of the same questions or concerns. Accordingly, we thought we'd address some of the common questions we have received in a more general forum. As you review the below Q/A, we ask that you consider that the current Executive Committee and Board of Directors structure was established when Beth Judea had upwards of 900-member units. We currently have significantly less membership at approximately 500-member units. If you continue to have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any of the Committee members. I can be reached at HerbCBJ@gmail.com. Herb Finn Vice President of Facilities of Congregation Beth Judea FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION FEBRUARY 4, 2019 SIZE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Q: How does the size of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors compare to the current configuration? A: Currently, there are 15 positions on the Executive Committee and 34 positions on the Board of Directors. Under the proposed changes, the Executive Committee would have 11 positions and the Board of Directors will have 24 positions. With the downsizing of both the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, the percentage of representation has been maintained. Q: Which Officer positions are being removed? A: No positions are being removed, this is merely a re-organization and consolidation so that the Officer positions better reflect the day-to-day operations of the Synagogue. Every Committee and Sub-committee that currently exists will continue to exist after adoption. Q: How did we go from 15 to 11 on the Executive Committee? A: We consolidated those Officer positions that were related or closely aligned in function. In particular, we consolidated the position of Vice President of Ways and Means and Vice President of Planned Giving under the new title of Vice President of Fundraising, which becomes responsible for those two committees. Likewise, we consolidated the position of Vice President of Youth and Vice President of Education under the new title of Vice President of Education and Youth, which becomes responsible for the two committees. And, we consolidated the position of Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Programming and Vice President of Social Action/Israel Affairs Committee under the new title of Vice President of Membership Services, which becomes responsible for those three committees. (continued) 12

13 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Q: Who is eligible to become an Officer sitting on the Executive Committee? A: We have expanded the pool of candidates for Officer positions beyond Board Members. Previously, it was limited to Board Members from the last 6 years. Going forward, it will include not only Board Members but also any person who has served as a Chairperson of a Committee or Sub- Committee for the required period of time. SISTERHOOD AND MEN'S CLUB Q: Are Sisterhood and Men's Club part of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors? A: The Sisterhood President and Men's Club President remain members of both the Executive Committee and the General Board. There is no change in their position or responsibility. Q: Are the Sisterhood and Men's Club Presidents losing their vote? A: Both the Sisterhood and Men's Club continue to vote on the Executive Committee and the General Board. A loss of vote only happens if the Sisterhood or Men's Club President fails to attend a minimum number of meetings -- similar to any other Officer or Board Member. Because Sisterhood and Men's Club are special positions, they cannot be replaced like other Officers or Board Members. So, instead of being removed for failure to attend, they merely lose voting privileges until replaced by the Sisterhood or Men's Club. TERM LIMITS Q: Why Add Term Limits? A: Term Limits are in the current Constitution for Officers. We've added term limits for Board Members to permit a greater number of Congregants the opportunity to serve on the Board and get new perspectives on the Board - helping to ensure that CBJ remains forward-thinking and creative in all aspects of synagogue life, promote leadership mentoring and long-term planning/strategy with new people joining as other people rotate off the Board. Q: What are the Term Limits? A: For both Officers and Board Members, the term limits are six years. After six years, an Officer can ascend to being President or take a year off before serving again as an Officer or Board Member. After six years as a Board Member, he/she can ascend to an Officer position or take a year off before serving again as a Board Member. SPECIAL MEETING - WHY NOW Q: Why are we having a Special Meeting to amend the Constitution? A: Amendments to the Constitution must be considered at an Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting. We are in an election year for Officer positions and to wait until the Annual Meeting would not permit the new structure to be reflected in the slate of Officers. Had we waited until the Annual Meeting, the new structure would not take effect until 2021 and would not be completed until Q: Why should I attend and vote at the Special Meeting? A: You should attend to have your voice count on how the Synagogue is governed going forward. There must be 4% of the members of the Synagogue in good standing attending the Special Meeting to have a vote. In order to pass, 2/3 of those present must vote in favor. 13

14 World Wide Wrap Tap the Torah World Wide Wrap World Wide Wrap XIV Sunday, February 3, 2019 We're in it for the Tie! Get Ready to Wrap and Roll!! Celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin with us. There ll be extra sets and personal trainers to help you through the process. Then, afterwards, join us for a fabulous Bagel Breakfast (and more) to discuss Wrapping Yourself Up with God led by Orin Rotman & Norm Kurtz.. Contact: Orin Rotman, World Wide Wrap Chairman orotman@steinrotman.com 8:30 am 10:00 am Wrap and Daven 10:00 am 10:30 am Brunch Orin Rotman Tefillin Wrap Rap Video Cougars and other Predators Facilitator Orin Rotman What will you get? Lively discussions. Great company. Enormous amount of knowledge. Good beer, soft drinks, and snacks. Wednesday, February 13, :45 pm to 9:15 pm At the Buffalo Restaurant 1180 W. Lake Cook Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL Sponsored by The Men s Club Donation - $5.00 for First Beer/Beverage (anything extra ordered is on individual check) RSVP by February 11, 2019 For further information on this program see our website Call (847) or Orin at orotman@comcast.net for more info! 14

15 UPCOMING EVENTS Sisterhood Where every woman s voice is heard Please join us at our Torah Fund Event: SISTERHOOD TORAH FUND APPEAL Be a part of our Torah Fund appeal! Chai $18 Benefactor $180 Double Chai $36 Guardian $300 Triple Chai $54 Assoc Patron $600 Mitzvah $72 Patron $1200 Koach $90 Other Sunday, February 10, :00 4:00 pm Congregation Beth Judea Long Grove, IL Donors at the Benefactor level and above receive the beautiful pin shown as a thank you gift from Women s League Through our support of Torah Fund of Women s League for Conservative Judaism, we help strengthen education at Conservative and Masorti institutes of higher Jewish learning. Torah Fund is the dedicated philanthropy of Women s League, its members, and its affiliated sisterhoods in Conservative congregations across North America and around the world. Please make checks out to TORAH FUND and send to Beth Judea, 5304 RFD, Long Grove, IL 60047, Attn: Torah Fund 15

16 12:30 2:30 $35 per person But if you are part of the CBJ family, and register through the Men s Club, the cost is $25 per person and the Men s Club will put in the extra $10. Lakeside Recreation Center 900 S. Lake St. Mundelein, IL Help support the homeless in Lake County. Includes 2 hours of 9 pin no-tap bowling, shoe rental, pizza buffet, pop and prizes. Raffles and T-shirts available on-site. $12 for buffet only. Sponsored by the Beth Judea Men s Club. Pre-Register with the Men s Club by contacting Orin Rotman orotman@steinrotman.com 16

17 Events EARLY REGISTRATION Visit CBJs FB Page PILL BOTTLE COLLECTION Used Pill Bottle Collection click for flyer SOCIAL ACTION Bring Your Dogs to Brentwood Nursing Home Click here for details. Enroll now! New campers entering grades K, 1 and 2 in Fall 2019 can also get an additional savings of $1,000 off an eight-week session and $500 off a 4-week session! Plus all first time campers will receive an awesome Ramah Day Camp sleeping bag! Located in Wheeling, IL, the day camp encompasses all to which Ramah is committed: fun and learning in an environment where Hebrew and Jewish values are integrated into the daily camp activities of swimming, sports and making friends. For children who will be in kindergarten through 6th grade next fall. For more information, contact info@ramahday.com or and check out the website at Ramah Day Camp...where fun and friendship build Jewish lives. February 24, :00 pm We know you have friendly dogs... we ve seen them! Please bring your dogs to visit elderly residents at Brentwood North Nursing Home on Sunday, February 24 th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. The address is 3705 Deerfield Road, Riverwoods. The only requirement is that your dog is friendly. Let us know if you are coming! Please Cathy Feiger, Vice President of Social Action, at: cathy5441@msn.com. The Word - February

18 Shiva Baskets Sunshine Fund The primary purpose of the shiva tradition, or "sitting shiva," is to create an environment of comfort and community for mourners; it helps guide friends and family members through the loss of a loved one. Throughout the weeklong shiva period, mourners come together in one family s home to offer their condolences and support. From a practical standpoint, the shiva process and practices associated with Jewish mourning add comfort to the life of a mourner following a death. In the period after suffering a loss, a mourner may be comforted by the structure and routines prescribed by traditional Jewish mourning laws. Historically, the Board of Directors of Congregation Beth Judea has sent shiva baskets to the immediate family of Board members; parents, spouses, siblings and G-d forbid, children. We would like to extend this gesture to the entire congregation. Donations may be sent the shul attention Lisa Neiman. Thanking you in advance for you generous donations. Respectfully, Lisa Neiman SUPPORT BETH JUDEA WHILE YOU SHOP ON AMAZON!! NEW!! WAYS & MEANS CBJ Business Directory Advertising Opportunity Advertise your business in our new Business Directory section of The Word! $120 for a year (one-year term) Submit a high resolution graphic of your business card to Lisa Neiman at lneiman@bethjudea.org. Subscription payment must be received to activate term. Leslie Abella Gift Cards SUPPORT BETH JUDEA BY PURCHASING GIFT CARDS Purchasing gift cards is one of the easiest ways to support Beth Judea. The Congregation earns a rebate from the vendors when you utilize the gift cards, so there is no cost to you. Gift cards can be utilized the same as cash, there are no restrictions. Did you know that when you shop on Amazon you can support Congregation Beth Judea at the same time? It's very simple, Amazon smile will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible amazon purchases to Congregation Beth Judea. Here is the link: Click here to Shop If you are shopping for groceries or clothes, going to a movie or traveling, you can help support our Congregation. Order forms for Gift Cards are available in the office or in the Lobby on Sunday morning. They can be purchased with cash, check, or credit cards (a 2.5% convenience fee will be added when paying with a credit card). Click Here to Download Form The Word - February

19 Anna Besser Education Director Religious Education #LUCKY13 While the secular (Gregorian) calendar is based on the earth's rotation around the sun, the Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar; a fixed lunar calendar, that is based upon the cycles of the moon around the earth, as well as the rotation of the earth around the sun. The lunisolar calendar ensures that our holidays arrive when they are supposed to. Each new Jewish month begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon. The 12 months of the Jewish calendar contain 354 days. In order for agricultural festivals such as Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot to be celebrated in their correct seasons, an additional month is added every two to three years. In the fourth century, Hillel II (Hillel hanasi; Hillel ben Rav Yehuda) established a fixed calendar based on mathematical and astronomical calculations. By adding an additional month in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 19th years of its 19-year cycle, the Jewish calendar stays in line with the Gregorian calendar. A year with 13 months is referred to as Shanah Me uberet, or, literally, a pregnant year. When this happens, the extra month is added after the month of Shevat and before the month of Adar. It is called Adar Aleph,Adar Rishon, or Adar I. The month of Adar is then referred to as Adar Bet, Adar Sheni, or Adar II. According to Jewish tradition, Adar is a lucky and happy month. It is a month of good fortune. The number 13 is associated withmany positive Jewish events and values! Here are just a few: 13 Principles of Faith 13 Attributes of God s Mercy 13 Years Old for Bar/Bat Mitzvah 13 Principles of Torah (Interpretation according to Rabbi Yishmael) (6)13 Mitzvot 13 is the gematria for the Hebrew words for one.(אהבה ( love ) and אחד ( 13 x 2 = 26, which is the gematria of the Tetragrammaton (God s four-letter name). What else would you add to this list? February 2019 Event World Wide Wrap (Dalet & Heh to participate) Dalet B nai Mitzvah Family Program No Religious School (President s Day weekend) Teacher In-Service Day No Beyahad Classes (President s Day) K-2 nd Grade Family Shabbat Dinner Gimel Shabbat Gimel leading Robbins Sanctuary service 25 Aleph Bet Family Program Time 8:30 am Following WWW 6:16 pm 9:30 am Parents join in at 10:30 am March 2019 Event Time 3 School Open House 5 Heh Class Picture 6:30 pm 10 1st Grade Gidwitz Visit TBD Dalet Kosher Meal Parents join in at 10:30 am 17 Purim Carnival Regular dismissal (12 pm) No Religious School / No Beyahad Classes Spring Break: Sunday, March 24 Sunday, March 31 19

20 Youth WHAT S UP IN THE WORLD OF OUR YOUTH??? New Beginnings This month is about new beginnings. We have discussed tragedy and discussed moving on from tragedy; now we need to focus on some opportunities for new beginnings. This past month, 2nd grade, 5th grade, and 8th grade were each elevated up into the next level of our youth programs. 2nd graders are now part of our Kadinkers program, which meets once a month for fun programs. 5th graders are now part of our Kadima program, which meets a couple times each month for programs, service projects, and creative tefillah. 8th graders are now part of our award winning USY program, which meets weekly for a variety of events. The 8th grade move up was highlighted by an induction into the program known as 8th grade kidnap. We went around on a bus, house to house, and kidnapped (with parental permission, of course) each 8th grader to bring them to a special first USY program. While the hamster balls, sumo suits, and giant moon bounce that we had at the program- along with all the snacks- you can imagine were a ton of fun and very delicious, there was something else about the program that stood out to me. Joy, pure joy. Each participant, as they got kidnapped, had a bus load of teens chanting their name and cheering for them. They were then officially welcomed to the group on the bus where the teens went wild cheering for them again. Some of these teens knew each other for a long time; others had just met. It didn t seem to matter, as each cheered and rooted for each other from the very first moment. The new 8th graders soaked it in and realized the supporting loving family they had here in USY right away. New beginnings aren t only personal. For me, seeing sights like this each year are what keep me energized. No matter how many times I have gone through an event like this, each of my experiences is an opportunity for somebody else s first experience. It is so energizing to see the joy and excitement in somebody else s face as they find their home in this place we lovingly call the #BJUSYTribe Purple Elephants. Regardless of how much technology changes, generations change, or the world around us changes, It is this energy and excitement that will continue to carry us for the next 50 years. Remember, you can always stay up to date with all things BJUSY throughout the entire year by visiting our new and improved website as well as our calendar You can sign up for membership by going to B Shalom, Marc Sender, Youth Director Congregation Beth Judea RFD Long Grove, IL Office: (847) ext. 114 Cell: (847) YouthDirector@bethjudea.org Sign up for membership at Check us out on Facebook and Twitter! Please consider making a donation to the Youth Fund or Rachel Hirshman Fund to help USYers go to regional programs and Israel 20

21 CBJ Young Family Focus on Families CBJ Young Family Focus on Families Winter-Spring 2019 Tentative Calendar Sunday, February 9 th 5:45 7:15pm CBJ Young Family Havdalah Sunday, March 3 rd 10am 12pm CBJ Focus on Families Open House Sunday, March 17 th 10am 12pm CBJ Focus on Family Shushan Wonderland and Purim Carnival Friday, April 12 th 5:45 6:15pm CBJ Young Family Shabbat Sunday, May 5 th 3 5pm CBJ Focus on Family Cinco De Mayo Scavenger Hunt

22 ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education Series Ongoing Classes Welcome to our Adult Education Series. To register for classes or to find out more information, please contact Anna Besser at WEEKLY CLASSES:. These classes are ongoing. Please join at any time. Hebrew is not required for any of these classes, unless specifically noted. Talmud Study: Tractate Sukkah Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. Taught by Rabbi Zimbalist This year, we will delve into Tractate Sukkah. We will study the scope of the obligation to live in a Sukkah, the difference between a temporary and fixed structure, the commandments surrounding the lulav and etrog, and so much more! Join us for a lively discussion with Rabbi Zimbalist on Sunday mornings. SHABBAT SATURDAY CLASSES:. These Saturday morning classes are ongoing. Please join at any time. Weekly Parsha Study Facilitated by Orin Rotman Shabbat morning at 9:00 a.m. every Shabbat morning Weekly study to discuss the parsha of the week. We will discuss questions raised by the participants. Shabbat morning at 9:00 a.m. every Shabbat morning Sweet Taste of Torah: Chronicles Taught by Orin Rotman Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. For thousands of years Judaism has been interpreting and applying the Torah to everyday life. This class follows the Tanach cycle. Each week we will read through several chapters a week of the Nevim (Prophets) texts, then on to Ketuvim (Writings), then back to Torah again. Alternative Shabbat Service Facilitated by Norm Kurtz Shabbat morning at 10:30 a.m. every Shabbat morning Norm Kurtz facilitates this Shabbat morning service that focuses on building community by enjoying a passionate, meaningful, and dynamic Shabbat morning experience. Join this innovative, creative, and different minyan each Shabbat morning at 10:30 am in Room 1. Shabbat morning at 10:30 a.m. every Shabbat morning 22

23 ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education Series February 2019 Welcome to our Adult Education Series. To register for classes or to find out more information, please contact Anna Besser at Breaking News: The Best Part of Waking Up Is Not the Coffee in Your Cup DATE: TBD 7:00 9:00 pm Half Day Brewing Co. 200 Village Green S., Lincolnshire, IL *** ask for private dining room *** Facilitated by Rabbi Zimbalist The best part of waking up is being blessed with another day of life and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. Designed as a free-flowing discussion, we will look at current events in the news through the lens of Pirkei Avot: The Ethics of the Fathers. Who is making a difference and how are they doing it? Lunch & Learn: ISRAEL The Land, the Narratives, & Our Community Identity Taught by Rabbi Zimbalist In this series, we will explore the origins of Israel spanning from our biblical history, to the founding of the State, and the county s modern-day evolution. How do we best identify with Israel, and what are the differences between the Land of Israel and the State of Israel? Do we view Israel to be in a perpetual state of crisis, a world leader in technology and innovation, and/or a model of democracy for a region in turmoil? And how do current events impact the global and our personal views of Israel? Thursdays, 12:00 pm 1:15 pm Dates: Feb.4 March 18, 2019 LOCATION: Sunset Foods 2nd Floor Conference Room (corner of Rt. 83 & Aptakisic) COST: Members FREE; Non-Members - $36 for series OR $5 per session Tap the Torah: Cougars and Other Predators Taught by Orin Rotman Sponsored by Men s Club Join us for a drink, lively discussion, enormous amount of knowledge and great company! COST: $5; Pay for your own drinks Wednesday, Feb. 13, :45 9:15 pm LOCATION: The Buffalo Restaurant 1180 W. Lake Cook Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 23

24 ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education Series February 2019 Welcome to our Adult Education Series. To register for classes or to find out more information, please contact Anna Besser at Practical Halacha Taught by Rabbi Zimbalist Tuesday evenings, 8:00 9:00 pm Dates: Now through Feb. 19, 2019 What does Jewish law demand of us? What do we demand of ourselves and each other? No prior study of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) required, and texts will be taught in both Hebrew and English. Rockin Our Tradition Taught by Hazzan Ezring Thursday mornings, 11:00 am 12:00 pm Dates: Feb. 7 April 11, 2019 **No class March 28 th ** Rock out with our traditional prayers and texts! There s so much new music for our liturgy, and we re going to groove to it! Join Hazzan Ezring as we explore new melodies in current musical styles for our prayers! We ll blow the roof off the shul as we Rock Our Tradition! 24

25 ADULT EDUCATION HEBREW CLASSES Adult Education Series Welcome to our Adult Education Series. To register for classes or to find out more information, please contact Anna Besser at HEBREW CLASSES Hebrew Boot Camp Taught by Lee Goldberg Textbook Fee: $20 Thursday evenings: 8:00 9:00 p.m. Beginning Sept. 27, 2018 You ve learned to recognize the shapes and sounds of the Aleph-Bet and become comfortable sounding out some of the key recurring words and phrases. This class will take your knowledge to the next level. We will work on developing reading fluency and understanding of Hebrew word and sentence structures. We will then move into Hebrew grammar and learn to converse: how to order food in a restaurant, shop, and tell the doctor what hurts and have fun doing it, with songs, word games, and imagery. The ability to read basic Hebrew is required. Ulpan 2 Taught by Lee Goldberg Textbook Fee: $20 Thursday evenings: 6:30 7:30 p.m. Beginning Sept. 27, 2018 In this course we will continue from where we left off last year. We'll continue learning Hebrew grammar while learning to order food in a restaurant, shop, and tell the doctor what hurts and have fun doing it, with songs, word games, and imagery. The ability to read Hebrew is required. 25

26 Sisterhood The months fly by, and here it is already February. Next month, it s Purim already! But what a January we had! A huge todah rabah goes to Phyllis Udany for organizing and leading us in beautiful prayer on Sisterhood Shabbat. This just further proves the strength of our women to be able to lead in the sanctuary AND the boardroom! And we can t forget to thank Michele Sussman for arranging the very entertaining and educational program featuring an actress portraying the beloved Golda Meier. This program was designed for all ages because you re never too young or too old to learn about strong women like Golda Meier. What an inspiration she was!! This month we have some fantastic programming choices. On Sunday, February 10th at 2:00 pm, Torah Fund VP Fran Eisner and her fabulous committee have put together a High Tea featuring our very own Hazzan Ezring. We will enjoy tea and goodies while Hazzan speaks and sings the praise of his alma mater, the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, which is one of the five seminaries that Women s League proudly supports. JTS is also the alma mater of Rabbis Zimbalist and Lifshitz, as well as Rabbis Gamer and Wolintz-Fields. So, you see, we here at Beth Judea have good reason to support JTS and the other Conservative/Masorti seminaries through our Torah Fund donations. Marilyn Victor and Hannah Whitney, our Sisterhood Judaic Arts Chairs, have arranged something quite unique for us on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:45. This program is different from anything we ve ever done, and we are all looking forward to it. Margot Andersen, a certified Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, will lead us in the art of Jewish Mindfulness. We will look at the Ki Tissa parashah featuring the Golden Calf from a different perspective. Jewish Mindfulness invites us to look inside ourselves to see how ancient Torah stories can speak to us today and reflect on Jewish values so we can transform to become our highest self. We will also learn how to get still and quiet by focusing on our breath so we can listen and learn from these parts of ourselves. There is no charge for this program and, of course, refreshments will be served. It's that time of year for Heidi Sakol and her nominating committee to select next year s board members. Many positions are available, including those on the executive committee. If you are interested in serving on the board or even being a member of a committee, please contact Heidi directly. She will be very happy to accommodate you as much as possible. Thank you in advance to those of you volunteering for positions. Rhonda Cohn & Sarah Goldenberg Co-Sisterhood Presidents Contact Information: Rhonda Cohn: funnymom@cohn1.com Sarah Goldenberg: sarahbgoldenberg@gmail.com 26

27 Sisterhood Sisterhood Where every woman s voice is heard SISTERHOOD BOOK CLUB Come Join Us As We Discuss The Cast by Amy Blumenfeld 25 years ago, a group of ninth graders produced a Saturday Night Live style video to cheer up their ailing friend. Becca laughed her way to recovery, & the group became her supporting cast for life. Now on the silver anniversary of the video, the friends decide to reunite over the Fourth of July which leads to three unforgettable days filled with complex moral dilemmas & life altering choices. Through humor & drama, The Cast explores the power of forgiveness, the importance of authenticity & the value of friendships to buoy us when life plays out differently than expected. Book Discussion will be on Thursday, February 7, :00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. NEW LOCATION: VERNON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES MEETING ROOM Please RSVP to brendaclevin@gmail.com This event is open to Sisterhood and CBJ Women Download Flyer Download Flyer 27

28 Sisterhood Gift Shop The Sisterhood of Beth Judea proudly shares about our renowned Judaica Shop! Our Judaica Shop carries a wide variety of items and gifts with continually updated inventory. Stop by and take a look at many of the following types of items: *Tallitot *Kippot *Women s Head Coverings *Seder Plates *Hanukkah Menorahs *Shabbat Candlesticks *Kiddush Cups *Tzedakah Boxes *Wedding Gifts * Shofars *Bar & Bat Mitzvah Gifts *Mezuzah Cases and Kosher Scrolls *Yahrzeit Candles *Jewish Children s Books *Wall Home Blessings *Hostess Gifts *Wedding Glasses *Decorative items..and so much more! Come and browse our amazing collections of beautiful Judaic Jewelry for both Men and Women! We have countless Hamsas, Chais, Stars and Hoshens. You will love our special designer pieces. Also our non-judaic jewelry can make a special gift as well.! You will find many price points to meet all budgets. Our extensive collection of tallitot, for both men and women, is a specialty we are known for in the Chicagoland area! We always have approximately 100 of the tallitot in stock most of them made in Israel! If the choices are overwhelming or you wish to simply allow a family member or friend choose on their own a Gift Certificate may be the wise choice for you any denomination anytime. We make it easy for you too as we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover! So stop by and visit us to see for yourself why all of the talk! Our hours when Hebrew School is in session are: Tuesdays 4 pm to 8 pm Sundays 9 am to 12:30 pm We also will gladly make appointments to meet with you at your convenience simply contact: Karen Nagel; ; geniuspkn2@aol.com Ann Lerman; ;annlerman325@gmail.com Have the Judaica Shop be a go-to spot for all your Judaic needs please come visit us soon! Congregation Beth Judea Gift Shop (Where shopping is a mitzvah) 20% OFF ONE SINGLE ITEM OF $25 OR MORE Coupon must be present at time of purchase Exclusions include sale merchandise, special orders, scrolls. One coupon per family. No other discounts or promotions apply -- Expires December 31, 2019 COUPON

29 Men s Club While the Bears amazing season came to a heartbreaking end after their Phoenix like turnabout from the previous one, we were all entertained by the introduction of a new word in the football lexicon: boink. That word will for a long time, in Chicago at least, describe the penultimate disappointment. Happily, there was no such disappointment for the Men s Club as we honored the current and all the past graduates of the Hebrew Literacy I class. Susan Adleman and Nancy Litwin received their certificates as this year s graduates. The very next day, this year s edition of the Men s Club biennial retreat commenced in Lake Geneva. Thirty-seven of our members and both clergy enjoyed a program jam packed with insightful discussion, some levity, prayer, and, of course, food. Fast on the heels of this successful event, planning has already begun for the 2021 installment. At month s end, we gathered at a local brewery to honor and celebrate our very own sports dynasty CBJ s Championship Softball Team. These intrepid weekend warriors have dominated the league by winning four of the last five championships. Kudos to all our outstanding sportsmen. In the coming month, one of our hallmark events takes place on February 3. The World Wide Wrap once again provides an opportunity for everyone to either learn the basic technique of donning tefillin, refresh their skills, or be there to help others learn this tradition laden practice. A nourishing breakfast will be provided for all participants. (World Wide Wrap Flyer) Next up is Orin Rotman s Tap the Torah, scheduled for February 13 at 7:30 pm at the Buffalo Restaurant. The exciting and thoughtprovoking topic is Cougars and other Predators. If you haven t had a chance to attend one of these sessions, you re missing one of the most intellectual and enlightening programs offered by one of our esteemed lay leaders. (Tap the Torah Flyer) Then, for all bowling enthusiasts, please note that the 4th annual Pins for PADS event will be held on February 24 at the Lakeside Recreation Center, 900 S. Lake St., Mundelein. The proceeds from this worthy event help support Lake County s homeless and is subsidized by the Men s Club through its payment of $10 towards the $35 registration fee. The fee covers bowling, shoe rental, a pizza buffet, pop, and prizes. It s sure to be a fun filled afternoon. (Pins for PADS Flyer) Looking ahead to the early part of March, two important dates bear mentioning. The first to occur is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Men s Club calendar the Man and Youth of the Year Dinner. This year s event is scheduled for March 3, 4:30 pm at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago. At this gala dinner, all the participating synagogues in the Chicago portion of the FJMC Midwest Region come together to honor their Man and Youth of the Year. Our Man of the Year is Brandt Rosen, who is also in the spotlight this month as the featured Men s Club Member. (See next page) The other event early next month is the Men s Club helping residents at the Lieberman Center in Skokie. The next opportunity to join with us to ensure the Shabbat service is attended by all who wish to participate is March 9. If interested, please contact me for more information. Ron Friedman, BJMC President 29

30 Men s Club FEBRUARY MEN S CLUB SPOTLIGHT MEMBER: BRANDT ROSEN Brandt and his wife Jennifer were married in 2015, are the proud parents of a one-year old daughter and have been CBJ members since Brandt holds a master s degree in Special Education and has been in the field professionally for 10 years. He currently works as an Assistive Technology Facilitator for the Exceptional Learners Cooperative, which is a special education cooperative that provides special education services to students in Stevenson High School and the feeder elementary and junior high schools. His greatest passion is providing students with the technology needed to better access the school curriculum and provide them with the confidence to reach their greatest potential. Brandt was newly installed as the Men s Club Membership and Communications VP and was also elected to the Beth Judea Board of Directors last year. He has planned and co-hosted several Men s Club events and is a regular Torah and Haftorah reader. Brandt enjoys sports and is a member of one of Beth Judea two softball teams, captains a park district softball team, and participates in a bowling league. Brandt is one of CBJ s shining young lights helping to pave a bright future for our synagogue. Ron Friedman Men s Club President Schedule & Flyers: February 3 February 13 February 24 March 3 March 9 World Wide Wrap Tap the Torah Pins for PADS FJMC Man/Youth of the Year Award Dinner Men s Club at Lieberman HELP THE ELDERLY ATTEND SERVICES Once a month, the Beth Judea Men s Club volunteers at the Lieberman Geriatric Center and helps the elderly get to and from services. If you are interested in helping please contact Sandy Ramras. Men s Club strives to offer something for everyone. As such, we re always open to new and creative programming ideas that help Jewish men lead rich and filling Jewish Lives. Tzedakah Fund The Men's Club has made donations from the minyan tzedakah box: The American Friends of the Magen David Adom The Ark We thank all those who have contributed to the tzedakah fund administered by Men's Club. MEN S CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Men s Club Volunteers Needed Meeting Scheduled for February 6th The Beth Judea Men's Club is sponsoring a POKER TOURNAMENT & DINNER on April 7, 2019 We are looking for volunteers to help us organize and plan this event. We will be holding our first meeting on February 6, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. at Beth Judea. Everyone is welcome to help!! If you can assist us in planning and organizing this event, please contact: Fred Rabinowitz at rabino49@aol.com 30

31 BETH JUDEA S MEN S CLUB MAN & YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2019 MAN/YOUTH OF THE YEAR Man of the Year/ Youth of the Year 2019 Dinner Join us as we recognize Brandt Rosen as the Congregation Beth Judea Men s Club, 2019 Man of the Year and Adam Rosen as Congregation Beth Judea Men s Club 2019 Youth of the Year At the annual FJMC Award Dinner Sunday, March 3, 4:30 pm Anshe Emet Synagogue 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL Congregation Beth Judea Men s Club Honoring Brandt Rosen and Adam Rosen Sunday, March 3, 2019 Anshe Emet Synagogue 3751 N. Broadway Chicago, IL :30 pm Silent Auction & Appetizers 5:30 pm Dinner Awards Program: Immediately following dinner Don t delay and register now for the 2019 FJMC Annual Men s Club Man and Youth of the Year Award Dinner honoring this year s recipients, Brandt Rosen and Adam Rosen. Help show your support by placing an ad in the Tribute Book. Deadline to for reservations and ads is February 27, (Discounted price if you register by February 20, 2019). DINNER RESERVATIONS & AD BOOK Please click here for details Questions/Concerns: Contact Ron Friedman at r.friedman@sbcglobal.net Click Here to make your reservations or place your tribute ad. No communications over Shabbat, please!

32 2019 BETH JUDEA S MEN S CLUB MAN & YOUTH OF THE YEAR BRANDT ROSEN 2019 Beth Judea Men s Club Man of the Year Brandt was newly installed as the VP of Membership and Communications for the Beth Judea s Men s Club and as a Board Member on the Board of Directors in July of In the past, he has served as a Men s Club member at-large. Brandt has co-hosted several Men s Club events. He truly enjoys inspiring Jewish culture with Men s Club members and the greater Beth Judea family through a variety of entertaining events. He also plays on the Men s Club softball team. He is a regular Torah and Haftarah reader and loves serving the Beth Judea community through lay leadership. Brandt has a desire to continue learning lay leadership skills to take a more active role in services. Brandt is married to Jennifer, an active member of Beth Judea s Sisterhood. He and Jennifer just celebrated their daughter Sia s baby naming in October and her first birthday on December 18th. While they have only been members since 2016, they are looking forward to many more years and simchas with the Beth Judea, Men s Club and Sisterhood families. Brandt holds a master s degree in Special Education and has been in the field professionally for 10 years. He currently works as an Assistive Technology Facilitator for the Exceptional Learners Collaborative, a special education cooperative in Buffalo Grove that provides special education services to students at Stevenson High School and the feeder elementary/junior high schools. His greatest passion is providing students with the technology they need to better access the school curriculum and provide them with the confidence to reach their greatest potential. Not only is he active in synagogue life, but Brandt also captains a park district softball team and participates in a bowling league, averaging around 197 pins. He even hit a perfect 300 game and has the ring to prove it! Nonetheless, he always sets time aside to spend special moments with his friends and family. ADAM ROSEN 2019 Beth Judea Men s Club Youth of the Year Adam Rosen is a senior at Stevenson High School who has been involved with BJUSY since he was in 8th grade. Currently serving as BJUSY s Israel Affairs Vice President, he updates the chapter on events going on in Israel as well as works with the entire chapter board to help BJUSY continue to make strides as a chapter. Outside of Congregation Beth Judea, he works as the social media coordinator for the Stevenson student newspaper, as well as broadcasting sports games for the school. In addition, Adam has involved himself with a number of political campaigns and other forms of activism. Adam is a huge lover of journalism and will be studying journalism at the University of Missouri - Columbia next year. Adam is honored to receive Congregation Beth Judea s youth of the year award, and would like to thank the entire synagogue for welcoming him in and treating him like family since he stepped inside as an eighth grader four years ago. Adam would also like to thank his BJUSY and CHUSY family, as well as his entire extended family, his parents, his brother Howard and his brother Neil who brought him into BJUSY for the first time. Through USY, Adam has reconnected himself with Judaism and couldn t do it without the help of everyone involved. Brandt would like to extend his gratitude to the Men s Club for all the support and the trust they have put in him. He is very appreciative of the honor and is humbled that his Men s Club brothers are recognizing his efforts. Brandt looks forward to a lifetime of serving the Jewish community. 32

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34 COMMUNITY NEWS A MESSAGE FROM JCFS 7+1 GIFT PROGRAM The below letter and photos were sent to Debbie Limer who ran CBJ s 7+1 program Hi Beth Judea! On behalf of JCFS I want to sincerely thank you all for your generous donations to our Holiday Toy Drive. We were able to fill over 650 wishes for children who otherwise wouldn t have a holiday filled with special gifts chosen just for them. I assure you all that this would not have been possible without your support. Your flexibility, team work and coordination, and above all your compassion perfectly embodied this successful toy drive. We are so grateful for you, and we know our clients agree. Thank you once again and we hope that you will continue to extend your valuable support in our future programs. Shabbat Shalom, Josh Josh Rosen Development Associate, Volunteers & In-kind Giving joshuarosen@jcfs.org (773) Jewish Child & Family Services Joy Faith Knapp Children s Center 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., 2nd Floor Chicago, IL

35 ISRAEL COMMITTEE MOVIE NIGHT 35

36 INTERFAITH COUNCIL News from the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council by Joanne Dicker and Helene Fox, Beth Judea representatives to the Council We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council looks forward to a new year of great programing and involvement in our community. Our programs for the year will include: 1. Knock your socks off! April-May, 2019: We collect NEW socks for distribution to our neighbors in need. 2. Stamp out Hunger: May 11, 2019: IFC s food pantries will be the recipients of the Post Office s program to collect non-perishable food items. You can help out by placing canned goods in your mailbox. Your postal carriers will take your donations back to the Post Office for collection by the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. We can always use volunteers to help distribute the food to our pantries located at Beth Am, Kingswood Methodist Church, St. Alphonsus, and St. Mary Parish. 3. i-walk for hunger: TBD in June: Our annual walk to raise awareness of hunger in our community. All funds collected go directly to the food pantries. 4. BGRA food collection: June: This baseball league collects non-perishable food items for our food pantries. 5. Mission trip to rebuild communities through housing projects such as rehabs. Location and dates TBD. Past trips included Detroit, St. Louis and downstate IL. 6. Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration: November 24, 2019: Our annual family oriented celebration filled with song and prayer. We are also looking for volunteers to bring food or work the dinner shift at Kingswood s PADS on Tuesdays. The Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council serves this community. If you have any programming suggestions, please forward them to your IFC representatives. For more information on any of our programs, please contact us by or telephone: nwsinterfaith@gmail.com, or visit our website at: or your council representatives: Joanne Dicker: joannedicker@comcast.net Helene Fox: helene125125@gmail.com Donations may be made directly to: Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council 1282 Green Knolls Drive Buffalo Grove, IL

37 BJE Early Childhood Centers MT Nesters The MT Nesters are starting our 25 th year. But our dues are still the same -- $20/year (no senior discounts). However, membership in the MT Nesters for your first year is free if you are currently a member of Beth Judea. We are continuing to hold our monthly program/meetings on Sundays, usually in the afternoon, and sometimes outside of the synagogue. For additional information contact Carol Schechter at or Sam Chiprin at Did You Know... Do you know of information that would be of interest to our congregants? If so, please let us know. Registration for Registration at the Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Center at Beth Judea is well under way. Registration for our school year has begun. Schedule a visit to one of our classes: New Steps (parent/caregiver and toddler), More Steps (2 year olds), Kadima (3 year olds) and Pre-K, and learn about our amazing curriculum. Call us at to begin your child s preschool journey. Come and see what we re all about! Cell Phone Drop-Off Box In Synagogue Office! Help domestic abuse victims by donating your old cell phones. Each phone raises money for domestic abuse crisiscounseling services in the Jewish community! SHALVA offers free counseling to Jewish women who are or were in an intimate partner relationship. If you or someone you know needs our help, call

38 New Membership Programs Beth Judea Announces Exciting New Membership Programs: 1. Referral Program. 2. Gift of Membership 3. STEPS to Membership We're very excited to announce new membership programs for our community! We're making it easy and rewarding for you to help spread the word about our synagogue community to your family, friends, and Jewish families that might have moved into the neighborhood! Click Here for Full Details Planned Giving Is Beth Judea a Part of Your Estate? Help ensure the future of Congregation Beth Judea. From Generation to Generation Making a Difference in the Lives that Follow LIFE IN ISRAEL THE GOODMAN S BLOG Howie and Suzanne Goodman were valued members at Beth Judea until they decided to make aliyah in The Goodmans have agreed to provide us with a blog on their experiences as new olim in Israel. Though we continue to miss the Goodmans, we can all look forward to reading about their adventures in Israel through the blog. To learn more about the Goodman s life in Israel click here to share their experience. Alternative Shabbat Service Alternative Shabbat Service Service Leader: Norm Kurtz Every Shabbat Morning 10:30 am until 11:45 am. You are invited to join the Alternative Shabbat Service which meets every Shabbat morning. Our growing interpretive minyan (prayer group) is focused on building community by enjoying a passionate, meaningful, and dynamic Shabbat morning experience. We are innovative, creative, and different from the traditional service. We are friendly and welcoming to all. Being nonjudgmental and accessible, we are interested in creating a meaningful spiritual community where joyful prayer and spirited Torah discussion is experienced, accompanied by camaraderie and friendship. Join us for prayer/discussion/ learning and stay after services for Kiddush/lunch with the entire Congregation. We meet in the former youth lounge on the lower level of the Synagogue (which is accessible to the physically challenged) from 10:30 am until 11:45 am. Bring a friend with you. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. Shabbat Shalom, Norm Kurtz Service Leader For further information: cbjoffice@bethjudea.org EVERY SHABBAT MORNING Upon three things the world is based: Upon Torah, Upon Divine Service and Upon the Practice of Charity The Word - February

39 The Helping Hand Plan Hesed Committee The Helping Hand Plan A Project of Congregation Beth Judea Hesed Committee Do you need some help? Do you need a ride to a doctor s appointment? Do you need a ride to services at Beth Judea? WHAT IS THE HELPING HAND PLAN? Beth Judea has a group of volunteers who are ready, willing, and able to lend a hand. Just call or if you need some assistance. WHO DO I CONTACT TO REQUEST SOME HELP? Please call Larry Wollheim at or Larry at lwollheim45@gmail.com to request help. It s a Mitzvah to help someone. Please allow us to help you. You Make A Difference We firmly believe that reaching out to others benefits not only the recipient, but the person providing help as well. This is, without a doubt, a win-win situation for all involved. If you are interested in making a difference, please contact one of the Hesed (Caring) committee members below: Ellene Lammers Wendy Wunsch Evan Rumack Larry Wolheim An Important Announcement CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA HESED (CARING) COMMITTEE The Hesed committee would like to know if you have any difficulties/problems that you would like to discuss with a knowledgeable individual. We have a group of congregants who have been trained or are professionals who would be able to provide a brief consultation with you in order to refer you on for more in-depth assistance. We are also thinking about starting some support groups. We would like to know what you feel your needs are. Please Ellene Lammers at elammers@comcast.net or call the Rabbi. FOR A LIST OF EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS, AGENCIES AND RESOURCES click here We Would Like To Know WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW.... If you are celebrating a life cycle event such as a birth, engagement, or wedding, we would like to know about it so that this milestone can be included in The Word. If you are ill or know someone who is sick, we would like to know about it so that a prayer for recovery can be said, so that the clergy can call or visit, and so that the Hesed (Caring) committee can be notified and be of assistance. If there is a death in your family, we would like to know about it so that we can offer our support, can share this information with our congregation, and so that we can add your loved one to our Yahrzeit records. Please call the synagogue office with this information. Do not assume that someone else will have notified the synagogue staff. The Word - February

40 BUSINESS DIRECTORY Accounting Services Advertise your business! Advertise your business in our new Business Directory section of The Word. Funeral Services Handmade Gifts $120 for a year a one-year term Submit your original or clearly scanned copy of your business card to the CBJ office ( to LNeiman@bethjudea.org). Subscription payment must be received to activate term. Hypnotherapy Term can commence at any time. One year term is 10 issues. click here for full flyer and details The Word - February